His latest award marks two successive years of being named FIFA’s Best men’s player after previously winning in 2022 and 2019. The competition recognising the best global footballing talents was introduced eight-years ago after splitting from the esteemed Ballon d’Or awards. Spain’s Aitana Bonmati won the Best Women’s Award for her exploits for Barcelona and World Cup champions, Spain, while England’s Mary Earp won the Best Women’s Goalkeeper title. Ederson of Manchester City won Best Men’s Goalkeeper, just as Guilherme Madruga of Botafogo, Brazil, won the Puskas Award for his goal against Novorizontino in the Brazilian second division. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola took the Best Men’s Coach Award, while England manager, Sarina Wiegman won the women’s version.

Source: The Guardian January 15, 2024 22:46 UTC